Special Tour to the Western Fjords
with our popular guide
Ágúst S. Harðarson / Gusti
Date 2020
September 14 - 19
September 14 - 19
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Join Gusti, one of our most popular guides, on a great trip to West Iceland and the stunning landscape of the Western Fjords, where centuries of isolation have preserved the region´s unspoiled wilderness. Largely uninhabited, Iceland's Westfjords are often called the Alps of Iceland and are widely distinguished as a destination of extraordinary landscape, history and wild life.
Every day we go for easy walks to embrace the beauty of this incredible wilderness and precious hide away. We also include the historic area of Dalir (Gusti´s birthplace), beautiful Borgarfjörður with stunning Hraunfossar waterfall and magical Snaefellsnes. At this time of year there is good a chance to see the awesome Northern Lights, enjoy some of the many warm pools found in the Western fjords, pick wild berries and even witness sheep round up. Gusti recommended those books to read while waiting for the adventure to start:
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Type: Multi - day bus tour
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights Difficulties: Easy Area: West Iceland and Western Fjords Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in double/twin/single rooms (single supplement surcharge applies) mostly with private facilities at cozy Country Hotels. Accommodation in Reykjavík not included but can be arranged. Meals: Breakfast and 4x dinner Guarantee departure! Max: 16 persons Guide: Gusti - English speaking Group: International Price ISK 219.900.- per person Supplement for single room: ISK 34.500.- To find the price in your currency: Currency converter Please note: Accommodation in Reykjavik and transfer to/from Keflavik airport is not included but we would be happy to arrange according to your wishes. Please contact us for booking and more information info@exploringiceland.is or book on booking engine below. |
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Day by day itinerary
Day 1/14.sep: Waterfalls - Sheep round up - Vatnsdalur Nature Park Pick up at your accommodation in the early morning by Gusti. We drive towards the Western fjords but during the first day we explore Borgarfjörður region, rich of Sagas and nature. We admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfall, feel the power of Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, pet the special breed of Icelandic goats but not least visit a sheep corral where we will meet farmers on their annual sheep sorting. A very authentic happening in Iceland every autumn. From there we turn to Western fjords by driving through Dalir region (home of Gusti´s birthplace) and onwards via the winding fjords of Breiðafjörður to Flókalundur where we stay overnight. Flókalundur is located in beautiful Vatnsfjörður fjord, now a nature park where we will enjoy the autumn colors (and hopefully the Northern Lights!) Accommodation: Hotel Flókalundur, rooms with private facilities. Welcome dinner included. Day 2/15 sep: Dynjandi waterfall – Abandonned Selárdalur - Ísafjörður We travel along the remote and stunningly beautiful fjords Arnarfjörður and Dýrafjörður of the Westfjord peninsula passing small coastal villages and hamlets that live mainly of fishing. The striking waterfall Dynjandi will surely be a highlight of the day. We might also take a de-tour to Selárdalur, home of Samúel and admire his work. We stay two nights at Ísafjörður, the largest municipality of the Westfjords which is nestled into Skutulsfjörður Fjord. Ísafjörður is a town with vibrant arctic flair and famous for its cultural events such as music and theater festivals and the famous mud-soccer European Championships. Accommodation at Hotel Horn/Ísafjörður, rooms with private facilities. Dinner not included Day 3/16 sep: Ísafjörður neighborhood A relaxed day, a chance to do your own things, or join our daytour to the neighboring Bolungarvik. Drive to the top of Bolafjall Mountain. The place offers a staggering view over Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir and some people say all the way to Greenland. There is as abonded radar station on the top. The station was built by the Americans but is now controlled by the Icelandic coast guard. After a visit to Bolafjall, or even before, We might visit, and have a nice walk at the black sand beach in Skálavík. We will also visit Ósvör, which is replica of an old Icelandic fishing station, from the19th century. On display are a rowing boat, a crew hut with tools and equipment, a salt house and a drying shed. For those that know the book Heaven and hell by Jón Kalman Stefánsson, this will make an extra interesting visit. We should be back in Ísafjörður for a late lunch, afternoon stroll around the old town and maybe visit the local microbrewery; Dokkan before a dinner at Tjöruhúsið, which by many is considered to be the best fish restaurant in Iceland, located in one of the oldest buildings in Ísafjörður at the folk museum Accommodation at Hotel Horn/Ísafjörður, rooms with private facilities. Group dinner at the renowned Tjöruhúsið included Day 4/17: . Strandir area From Ísafjörður along winding fjords and over Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain plateau to Hólmavík, home of the museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft. The history of witch-hunting in 17th century Iceland is presented at the exhibition as well as various aspects of dark magic for which the region was known during the Middle Ages. We spend the afternoon visiting places along the mystical shores of Strandir,, the northwest shores of the Westernfjords, including; Trékýlisvík, Norðurfjörður and Drangsnes. This is a world almost gone in Icelandic history, yet reflects on most of Icelands history in the past centuries. Icelanders go there to find their roots Accomodation at hotel Djúpuvík , rooms without private facilities. Dinner included. Day 5: Hólmavík –Historic Dalir – Eríksstaðir – Búðardalur From Djúpavík we drive south via the Dalir region, an area known for its rich history and literature. This area was settled by Auður Djúpauðga Ketilsdóttir (Unn the Deep Minded),in the late 8th century. She was one of few female settlers in Iceland, she was from the Shetlands and a Christian, therefore not a stereotype settler or pioneer, known for her wisdom and generousity towards her kin. Many of the old Sagas originate in this area such as the Saga of Erik the Red and the Saga of the Greenlanders. We visit Eiríksstaðir, the homestead of Erik the Red, who settled in Greenland in 985 AD and whose son, Leifur the Lucky, sailed to America long before Columbus even set his sails! This evening we visit a local family for dinner, if weather allows we will have a view over Hvammsfjörður and enjoy the evening sun, perhabs the area will inspire us for our own Sagas Accommodation at cozy guesthouse in Búðardalur. Farewell family dinner included. Accommodation at GH in Búðardalur Day 6: Snæfellsnes peninsula – Reykjavik Leaving Búðardalur we drive via Skógatrönd to Stykkishólmur and around beautiful Snæfellsnes peninsula. We stop for example at mt. Kirkjufell, propably the most photographed mountain in Iceland, at the black beach of Djúpalónssandur, at the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi, by the black church at Búðir and more. We might even spot some seals, puffins and white tailed Eagle on the way! We arrive in Reykjavik in late afternoon. Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions. |
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Price ISK 219.900.- per person
Supplement for single room: ISK 34.500.- To find the price in your currency: Currency converter Please note: Accommodation in Reykjavik and transfer to/from Keflavik airport is not included but we would be happy to arrange according to your wishes. Included in price:
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